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Why am I Running from Cancer?

Why am I Running from Cancer?. . . check out this post for an explanation

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas


I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
Sophie (laying) with her mum Nutmeg!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

1,000 Miles for the year!

Yippee!  Yahoo!  2 easy miles this morning with Sophie brought me to 1,000 for the year.  My goal was 1,100 this year . . . I won't make that . . . but am still happy with being over 1,000 for the second year in a row.


Friday, December 16, 2011

Still Streaking

Some how
Some way
I am still streaking.  I have run everyday since Thanksgiving!  Granted many have been only 1 or 2 mile runs . . . but runs none the less.

I am streaking with Ann over at Twelve in Twelve HERE, based on the Runners World challenge and Tall Mom's December challenge HERE  . . . two for one . . . why not!  

My little streak is NOTHING compared to Shelley over at It's Just One Foot in Front of the Other HERE.  Shelly is on something like 558 days and the most awesome part is that her avg miles per day is almost 8.  HOLY COW!  Now that is a streak . . . but I am not Shelly -  so my little 30+ day streak will have to be it for me.  ;-)

There have been mornings where I haven't felt like it . . . but I either got up and got out there, or actually ran after work, which isn't something that is "normal" for me.  I am usually a run before I go to work person.  Even on weekends, if I don't get out the door before 9 it might not happen.  I am a creature of habit.  I have not had many longish runs - but I have gotten a run in and for that I am glad.

Tomorrow I am planning on running 5 or 6 miles - that is a pretty long run for me!


Are you streaking?

PS - I really should be making Christmas Cookies for a cookie exchange tomorrow evening!  Better get started.  

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Saturday Souper Bowl

It is Saturday and the weather has been rainy and 40ish for most of the day.  The rain did stop around 2 and I was able to get outside for a 5 mile run with Sophie.  The temp felt great for a run and I immediately knew I had over dressed.  I had worn my light jacket - but took that off and tied it around my waist.  It was a good run - it took me about 15 minutes to clean Sophie's belly and feet - wet pavement and a lot of grit!  Next time when conditions are like this I should probably think about leaving her at home - but she also loves to get her run in!

I am streaking with Twelve in Twelve - HERE, based on the Runners World challenge and Tall Mom on the Run, HERE, running every day in December.  So far so good.  I have run every day since Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow I will be joining Jamie, from Running Diva Mom, HERE, for part of her final 1/2 marathon for the year.  She set out to do 12, one each month . . . but somewhere along the way . . . something happened. . . she is up to 15 and tomorrow will be her 16th 1/2 marathon this year.  Way to go Jamie!

Anyway, back to the post title:  I love to make soup in the fall and winter and today's choice is Cream of Broccoli Soup . . . hence the blog post title, Saturday Souper Bowl. This recipe is one I have been making for years.  As long as I have broccoli, I always have the other ingredients.  It is delish and really easy to make.  This was from a restaurant in Madison called Ovens of Brittany.  In the late 70's and early 80's we would go here almost daily for lunch, and enjoy a bowl of soup and a croissant.  They also offered decadent breakfast muffins / rolls called Morning buns . . . buttery with lots of cinnamon and sugar - my mouth is watering, just thinking about them.  Well the restaurant is long gone, but I purchased the recipe book years ago and have found some great recipes from this book.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

6 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup flour
3/4 cup finely chopped onions
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli stems and tops
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 cup milk
1 cup half and half
32 oz cups vege or chicken stock (I always use chicken stock)
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (I always use black)
2 dashes hot pepper sauce - or more ;-)

1.  To make roux, melt 3 tablespoons butter in small saucepan.  Stir in flour until well blended.  Cook over low hear, stirring often for 3-5 minutes.  Remove from heat.

2.  Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in large, heavy pot.  Add onions, carrots and celery; cook until they are just beginning to get tender.  Add broccoli, basil, curry powder, paprika, thyme and celery seed; cook a few minutes longer.  Meanwhile heat milk and half and half together.  (I do this in the microwave)

3.  Add stock to vegetables, bring to a boil, and reduce to simmer.  Whisk in the roux until soup is thickened and smooth.


4.  Stir in heated milk mixture, white pepper and hot pepper sauce.  Simmer 10-20 minutes until flavors have blended but broccoli is not overdone.


Truth be told -  today I used 2 cups of skim milk, instead of 1 cup of milk and1 cup of half and half - the soup still tasted great, maybe it isn't as rich - but still a hearty and rich flavorful soup.  Personnaly I,  would NEVER skimp on the butter!

Enjoy . . . maybe with a nice Chardonnay!